I love avocados, sometimes (read: daily) stand on my head to get my creative juices flowing, and I could listen to The Beatles sing, “I’ve Just Seen A Face” everyday, for the rest of forever.

Wondering what goes on here? Yup, so are the rest of us.

1. I am a lifestyle photographer. I have the most remarkable clients in the world, and I share their images here to inspire us all to live life with greater love, meaning and joy.

2. I am a writer. This blog is full of many of the curious thinks I have thunk.

3. I am a speaker and life/business consultant. I post upcoming speaking engagements and consulting information here as well.

4. I am most fulfilled by my work as a wife and mother to my 4 sons, one of whom now lives in Heaven. I share bits and pieces of our journey here on this blog. Including our ongoing struggle with grief, our experiences with ADHD and SPD, and our solid faith in a God much bigger than the challenges we face.

But ultimately, I hope that this blog is about something much bigger than all of that.My dream is for this blog to be a place where real life comes to be celebrated and enthusiastically embraced. Not just the pretty stuff, with tailored hems, clean lines,and the new colors for spring . . . but everything else, too. The frazzled mornings, broken hearts, crazy dreams, messy kitchens. . . even the fear, failure, hopelessness and devastation. I want this blog to be a place for every bit of what makes us all living, breathing, feeling human beings, experiencing together this remarkable thing called life.

May this be a place of passion, purpose, laughter, tears, friendship, encouragement and inspiration for us all.

In 2010, our perfect *”Baby Gavin” returned to Heaven after losing a courageous battle with **Pertussis (whooping cough). We are eternally and profoundly grateful to the thousands upon thousands (upon thousands) of friends and strangers from all over the world, of all faiths and creeds, who united with our family in prayer during Baby Gavin’s horrific illness and who grieved with us and continued to petition God in our behalf during the dark days following his tragic death. You may read Gavin’s story as it unfolded by visiting my old blog here. I am committed to sharing my ongoing struggles with grief and our journey toward joy here on the new blog. I am always humbled and amazed by the continued outpouring of love and support. Thank you for sharing in our journey and inspiring us with your unceasing love! God is good!

*My brother Gavin passed away unexpectedly in 2007. With all these Angel Gavins, it can get a little confusing at times, so just know that when I refer to “Gavin” I’m referring to my wonderful brother. When I refer to “Baby Gavin,” it is in reference to my perfect son, both of whom I cannot wait to see in Heaven!

**You will periodically see me blog about The Sounds of Pertussis campaign. I am an unpaid spokesperson and am only compensated travel expenses where applicable for my involvement with this important cause. Join our fight against this deadly communicable disease at www.soundsofpertussis.com or like us on facebook at www.facebook.com/soundsofpertussis.

Note: I left Quincy, IL today and arrived here in Logan, UT. I’ve completed my research on one particular line of my pedigree chart, and I’m now moving on to research another ancestor here in Logan. One word. . . er sound. . . Brrrrrrrrrr. Details to come. Stay tuned.

Today. . .

I’m simply not ready to talk about it. I’m too fearful that anything I might say could dilute the overwhelming significance of the experience. Until I’m ready to elaborate, I will leave you with this:

Today, for the first time in my life, I undoubtedly felt what The Bible refers to as “the spirit of Elisha.” There are no words to describe the significance of this day in the overall story that is my life here on Earth.

“And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers.” Malachi 4:6

This power is real, it is important, and feeling it. . . is an honor (and a joy) I cannot yet find words to describe.

I left a part of my heart in Quincy, IL today . . . or perhaps I simply brought a piece of Quincy along with me . . . or maybe. . . it’s just a little bit of both. . .

RAchel B:
What an experience! I can't wait to hear ALL the details. I can't imagine what you are feeling and the experiences you are going through. What an opportunity.
Love the headstone, its beautiful. November 9, 2011 9:44 pm

larry:
Hey Natalie! This is so cool! Thanks for sharing...and i think the word "vlog" is ridiculous, too! November 8, 2011 8:18 pm

Kelly:
Natalie, this is really cool. My uncle set out to find information about his grandfather - my grandpa's dad left his family abruptly one day and never came back, and my grandpa died never knowing whatever became of him. My uncle was able to find out that he apparently went to Mexico, but no one knows why. He has tracked down countless cousins - in the U.S. and overseas - but has not yet discovered whatever became of the man my grandpa called "Father". I think geneology is amazing and wish I had the time to do some research of my own! Loved the vlog and loved hearing you! :) Take care. November 8, 2011 8:30 pm

Kim:
Astonishing, fascinating, all of the above. Love it. I want to see that bill of divorcement. Wow. Also? You are STUNNING. xoxo November 8, 2011 9:02 pm

Angela Hanzlik:
Awesome Natalie! I can't wait to hear more. You are so inspiring! Now... I've got to get off my butt and go run! November 8, 2011 9:39 pm

Bitsy:
A) You look so stinkin pretty. B) Only you could make geneology seem so cool. Seriously, I'm intrigued. November 8, 2011 10:15 pm

Stephanie:
Very cool! You're very comfortable talking and telling your story! Looking forward to the next vlog! November 9, 2011 2:46 am

Pam Ellis:
Wow, what a treat to see you in "vlog" format, and such an interesting thing you are doing... Can't wait to find out more about what you've discovered... I also have some interesting family history, and would like to find out more... fortunately someone has already gotten me started, and it's so exciting.. http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~mntraver/jm.html
Looking forward to your next "Vlog" November 9, 2011 6:07 am

marie rose:
Love the vlog...and how awesome it is what you are donig. Love it! Good luck with your ggg (is that enough g's?) grandmother. I hope it you get a better understanding of who this woman is. Good luck! November 9, 2011 6:32 am

Sabrina:
Fascinating! I have a friend that is a professor down there in Quincy, they've been down there for 3 generations. Anyway, my Mother is adopted, so I will never have this connection with anyone. It makes me sad for my children, they won't know where they came from beyond my Mother. November 9, 2011 8:46 am

Juanita:
Natalie what an amazing experience you are having. This information will be dearly cherished by your children. November 9, 2011 3:29 pm

Laura:
That is so neat! I have recently been reading some histories of my great grandparents and my grandparent who died before I got to know them, it IS to amazing what a connection you can feel when you sincerely care to read and know about them! I can't wait to hear more and you have inspired me to got going with my own genealogy! Thanks..you are one of the most inspiring people that I "know"! November 9, 2011 3:50 pm

Rachel B:
What a journey. I am loving the pics. AND laughing OUT LOUD while listening to your hardy har har.....! You crack me up! November 9, 2011 9:48 pm

LeeYen:
How special is that?!? To think that your gig grandma will FINALLY have her "place" at the table, and her story told. Good luck! Warm (and rainy) wishes from Hawaii :D November 9, 2011 11:52 pm

LeeYen:
"ggg" not "gig" November 9, 2011 11:53 pm

sharalee prang:
i was just thinking about my history this week and something was stirring in me that made me want to find out more. so thanks for the extra inspiration!
p.s. more videos. i like hearing you! November 10, 2011 1:32 pm

It’s so hard not to be disingenuous when you’ve got a camera in your face and an audience that consists of producer, director, sound tech, camera man and logistics coordinator.

So today, I’ve put on my magic necklace (thanks again and again Mike and Julie), squared my shoulders and decided to do whatever it takes. Honestly, this project isn’t worth it to me if I can’t really, genuinely give it my heart.

Little in life is.

Worth it. Not if you can’t completely offer up your whole soul.

In a perfect world, I’d live with heart. Every single day. In every single way.

In all actuality, I am not in Chicago, rather, I’m in a charming little town called Quincy. But I AM in fact in Illinois, so this is still at least SOMEWHAT accurate. . .

I’ll be honest, today was a little bit of a whirlwind! We started with a 6:45am call time (that’s Hollywood for the time you start filming. See how fancy I am?), and we really didn’t stop moving until about 10:30pm. . . at which time I went and ran up and down the hotel stair well for exercise, because that is such a NORMAL thing to do at 10:30 at night.

We started the day by filming an introduction for my episode. It was difficult for me to tap in and really get connected to the words that were coming out of my mouth, but thankfully, the director, Racquel, stayed with me, and I eventually dropped in. I think it ended up going really well. From there, we headed to the SLC Geneological Library where I did some research on my family history.

I’m not going to lie my face off and say that it was a total riot, BUT it was a FAR better experience than I had expected. Definitely enjoyable.

There’s something about seeing all those names in one place and knowing that you’re connected to each and every one of them. It pretty spectacular, really. Touching to say the least.

It made me feel connected to something bigger than myself.

UT Aspens.
Did you know aspens all share the same roots?
Technically, an aspen grove is all one organism.
Remarkably symbolic given my current circumstances, don’t you think?

From there, we raced to the airport and hopped a plane for St Louis, MO. I flew first class. The director gave up her seat for the talent. How Hollywood.

Once we landed in MO, we jumped in a car and drove 2.5 hours to Quincy.

Dinner.

Exercise.

Blog.

And I’m definitely counting down the minutes to bedtime.

But not before announcing the winner from the “say it on tv contest.” After such a long, draining day, it was SUCH a joy to read your entries. Totally lifted my spirits (and occasionally had me rolling with laughs. . . the belly kind).

Let’s start with honorable mention (no, you don’t win anything. . . other than my respect for being hilariously clever):

Natasha + Jessica: “Tomfoolery.” Enough said. Amazing.

And the winner is:

Amy: “Bubbles.” I laughed for a solid minute imagining myself trying to make this relevant in conversation. I specifically chose this word a) because of it’s obvious hilarity and b) because it’s going to pose a specific kind of challenge for me to incorporate it. My poor director. I don’t think she’ll quite know what to do with me. . .

My goal for tomorrow is to really connect to what’s happening here. I’ve been given this tremendous gift, and as of yet, I’m not totally connected. . .not heart and soul, the way I’d really like to be. Hopefully tomorrow I can find that total heart connection. Let’s just be honest, a good night’s sleep should really help. . .

rachaelmarie:
you are so close to where i live! wish i could come say hello + catch up with you! November 8, 2011 2:03 am

Amy Paulson:
Well...my day has officially been made! Reading this entry and trying to stay quiet so my kids will continue to sleep has proved to be a problem. I just keep envisioning you working it in. I can't wait. Epic, I tell you. And for the record, when I saw the Chicago drawing my heart skipped 5 beats and I wanted to go just bring you a yummy treat. Boo to Quincy for stealing you... November 8, 2011 2:27 am

mer:
how will you not burst into giggles when you say it?! i can't wait to see :) love ready about your journey beautiful friend! November 8, 2011 5:34 am

kim:
I am an hour from Quincy!! I wish I would have known and I would have held up a sign welcoming you as you drove by or something!! November 8, 2011 5:37 am

Enter below to win a $20 itunes gift card!

I’m here in frigid Salt Lake City, UT. Brrrrrrrrrrrrr. Good thing I have Cousin Nicole to keep me warm. Love her times a hundred for this cozy (and gorgeous) cold weather wardrobe. Nic, you are THE BEST.

I start filming The Generations Project tomorrow morning at 6:45am (did I say tomorrow? I meant today. . . bleh, it’s already after midnight). Let’s just talk about all this for a second, shalllllll we?

8 hour wedding yesterday (LOVE YOU KEL + SHAUN), home, pack, up at 5 to catch an early morning flight, then, a 10 hour travel day, then a 6:45 meeting time tomorrow am as the icing on this exhausted little cake. I keep trying to go to bed, but my brain thinks it’s only 9pm, so it’s still not ready to “settle down for a long winter’s nap” (I sincerely considered heating up the sheets with a hair drier by the way).

Over this coming week, I plan to chronicle my “Generations Journey” here on the blog. You’ll get inside information before the airing of the show in March!

BUt I want you to REALLY be a part of this! So . . . I had this silly idea (don’t tell the director). . .

Want to win a $20 itunes gift card?!

Comment below with some crazy word you want me to try to incorporate into my dialog tomorrow (Tuesday) during filming. Don’t be vulgar or profane. You know me better than that. Be clever, creative, silly, whatever, because If I pick YOUR word, you win. Easy as pie. Mmmmmm, pie. I’d die for some of Rachel’s apple pie about now. . .

To Enter:

1. All entries must be received by Monday, 11/7 at 11:59pm MST, I’ll announce the winner Tuesday morning.
2. Single words only. Phrases will not be considered as valid entries.
3. You may enter more than once. Please submit a separate comment for each entry.
4. Tell your friends so I have lots of words to choose from!

I’m SO excited to read these entries! I think this is going to be so fun! Ha ha ha! Either I’m hilarious, or it’s 12:22am. . . wait a minute. . .

Bitsy:
If phrases could be considered I would say "and boom goes the dynamite." But they can't. Thought I'd tell you anyway. Don't get it? You tube it. It's the first one. You'll thank me later. November 6, 2011 10:33 pm

Ashley Daley:
One more. :) Criss-cross-applesauce. I think it counts as one word... ;) I tell that to my Kindergarteners everyday! November 7, 2011 7:19 am

Jullee:
Chuckles. This is my favorite word and the best way I have found to not use mean words around my kids. ex. "Chuckles just cut me off while driving." or "I was such a Chuckles and forgot my coat and it is cold." November 7, 2011 7:25 am

Mackenzie:
Glabella
[gluh-bel-uh] Origin
gla·bel·la
[gluh-bel-uh] Show IPA
noun, plural -bel·lae [-bel-ee] Show IPA. Anatomy.
the flat area of bone between the eyebrows, used as a craniometric point. November 7, 2011 10:56 am

Natalie Norton Photography | Blog:
[...] not before announcing the winner from the “say it on tv contest.” After such a long, draining day, it was SUCH a joy to read your entries. Totally lifted my [...] November 8, 2011 1:04 am

jen lehman:
I may be late to the party but ... you should say "cop-a-squat" (definition: sit your rump down) November 8, 2011 6:42 am